Dressing Room Diaries: Lush Greens and Linen

A new spring collection has arrived at J Jill with fresh colors and shapes. I spotted a fun combination through the window so went in for dressing room diaries. DRD is when I go into stores and try on their new styles so you can see how they look on a woman over 25 who weights more than 110 pounds and wears a size larger than zero.

For reference, I’m 5’4″, weight approximately 143 lbs and have broad shoulders with straight hips. The clothes are often wrinkled, I take my shoes off (don’t you?) and my hair gets trashed but you’ll get the idea.

This sleeveless dress is a soft indigo blue in 100% cotton. It’s available in misses, petite, womans (plus) and tall. I’m wearing a S misses on the left and M petite on the right. This runs true to size. I prefer the regular length on me because it puts the pattern lower on my body. This draws the eye all the way to my feet which helps make me look taller.

I love pairing a denim jacket over a maxi dress but this one is too long and boxy to wear over a straight dress. It’s available in blue or white in the same size range as the dress. I’m wearing a regular M which is also too large for me so it runs a bit large.

This black wrinkle-free dress has a slight A-line shape and smocking in the back of the bodice which snugs it in for a figure flattering fit without being tight. It’s sleeveless with a boat neckline and available in regular, petite and womens in both brown or black. I’m wearing a S misses which is a bit small. It runs true to size. As always, I’m more flattered by a v-neckline which you can see in the right photo when I pulled it into a V :). If you look good in a boat or crew neckline, this dress is a real winner which could be dressed up for a wedding or down for the beach.

This linen jacket is unlined with front patch pockets. I’m wearing a petite S which is a bit snug but I would choose this size for me because it’s the proper length, the fit is boxy and I would always wear it open. It’s available in misses, petites, and womens. I paired it with this gingham tie-front shirt that’s available in black & white or this moss & white. I love shirts that tie in front like this because they help our legs look longer and add waist definition without having to tuck anything in. I’m wearing a petite M which is snug under the arm so the armhole seems to be cut a bit shallower than usual. These stretch jeans have a terrific fit. They come in blue, white or this light pebble, in misses, petite, womens and tall. They’re a slim fit and sit just below the waist. I’m wearing an 8 petite which tells me they fit true to size.

I love this sweater tunic. It’s a linen/viscose blend and available in 3 colors, misses, petite, womens and tall. This fresh green would look great with white pants too. I’m wearing the M petite which fits perfectly so it runs true to size. I wouldn’t ordinarily choose a tunic this long for me but the v-neckline and high side-slits make the proportion work. The regular version would be too long, even with the high side vents. I loved the look over these pull-on slim-fitting stretch pants. Jeans or anything with detail in front might leave lumps under this tunic unless you’re very slim. The pants are machine washable and available in J.Jills full range of sizes. I’m wearing a S petite which fits well because of the stretch. I’d wear a long statement necklace or skinny scarf with this tunic.

The saleswomen discouraged me from trying on this linen shirt. I’m not sure why because I like it. It shows more leg in front to help us look taller yet covers the backside for narrow or skinny pants. It’s available in the full range of sizes in 5 colors including a crisp stripe. The side buttons can be opened to give it more ease but I like it as is. I’m wearing a small misses but could also wear the petite medium. **Don’t let other shoppers or salespeople discourage you from trying something on. Everyone’s taste is unique and you need to decide for yourself.

I seldom try things on from the sales rack for DRD but this twill jacket called to me. It’s a wonderful spring weight and the Moss color coordinated with several things from their newest collection. It has flap pockets but your hands go in from the side which keeps the front looking smooth. I’m wearing a small petite which is too small. It comes in the full range of sizes but choices are limited. I’m wearing it over these cotton stretch pants which have a smooth elastic waistband and invisible side zip. They come in misses, petite, womens and tall in 5 colors. I’m wearing a 6 petite in “Sesame”. It runs a bit large because of the stretch waistband. An 8 petite would also fit my waist but be baggy on my straight hips.

Here’s the same gingham shirt as above, tucked into these cropped linen pants. Three women were trying these on in the dressing room so I decided I needed to check them out. They’re available in this green plus two stripes in the full range of sizes…but are running low. I’m wearing a regular in large which are too large and too long.

These are the same cotton stretch pants as above worn with a linen/cotton/rayon blend pullover. It comes in 7 colors in the full range of sizes with a slight high/low hemline and 3/4 length sleeves. It has a straight cut with a boat neckline. I’m wearing a small petite which pulls under the arms so it runs true to size.

These are the slim fitting jeans I described above worn with a stretch cotton tie-front white shirt. It’s low cut and needs a cami underneath. This shirt comes in misses, petite, womens and tall. It has side slits and a longer back to cover slim pants or jeans. I’m wearing a small and would prefer the medium petite worn over a white cotton tank or cami.

FYI, because many of you ask, I have ordered the tunic sweater in black and the jeans in sesame.

Do you experiment with new colors when a collection comes in featuring one you haven’t tried before?

24 Comments

Laurel

May 5, 2019 / 4:27 am

I’m amazed that a salesperson would discourage you from trying on ANYTHING. Wow. My JJill salespeople are always trying to GET me to try things on – anything, really! 😉 FWIW, I tried on that linen shirt in coral, but I have hips and that back flap wasn’t too flattering. Looks cute on you, though.

Glad to see that linen coat. I’ve considered it, but like you, I would wear it open. At this point, I assume a lot of JJill pieces are boxy. I do want to try on those cotton stretch pants. They look good and the reviews are great.

My two favorite denim jackets are JJill – one blue and one white – but I think they have gone more boxy and long on those in the past couple years. As always, I appreciate the DRD. Cheers!

So curious as to why she thought you shouldn’t try the shirt on. I purchased that shirt in navy as well as a blue and white stripe last week. Can’t help but wonder if I’m missing something ghastly in the way it looks!!

Am I the only one that struggles with linen pants, linen dresses and linen wrinkles? I’m doing shirts – but even then I want a dark color or pattern to hide some of the inevitable creases and crumples. Last year I worked hard on ignoring them but clearly haven’t come very far.

I enjoy your informative comments about how subtleties of fit can make/break the look. I also like how you know that size numbers don’t mean much…..accept the spectrum and start trying stuff on! DRD is a great theme!

I am surprised the clerk did not like the shirt. It is one of my favorites you showed. I like J Jill. I have heard them referred to as the poor woman’s Eileen Fisher. One sales woman told me she helped them in the beginning. Eileen is my favorite, but I find I wear more J Jill in the summer. My apple shape does well with the boxy shape tops and jackets worn with slim pants or leggings. I tend to shop pure Jill and Fit because they are more casual. I also love their jewelry. Thanks for showing us your picks. patval

Great finds and they look great on your petite figure. The one item I love is the green tunic tip. I have a lot of blues, blacks and green in my wardrobe but find I am drawn to many shades of green. Our spring has just started in Canada and am loving the greenery starting to erupt around us. Thanks for your DRD. I enjoy seeing your finds!

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